ActivistAlly

You deserve support. I don't know if you have a counselor or what steps you have taken to heal or get support in the past, but I hope that AS (After Silence) will be a safe, kind, and supportive place on your journey to healing. You're welcome here! Activist Ally

HI Maplesunrise, I'm glad that you were brave enough to post an introduction even though you are a bit scared. You're right in that many of us...most...perhaps everyone was a bit scared at first in joining and posting here. I hope you will feel safer and more confident as you look around AS (After Silence). That was a great introduction and I'm glad you told us a little about yourself. This public welcome forum is a public thread, but, please know that the other forums are private for members only so though you did a general intro here you will want to post in the member only forums when yo

Hi Meghan, It is difficult to feel conflicted and struggling over the things that happened, but I can assure you that those are common feelings among survivors. It's hard to not have had anyone to talk to I bet. That was the major reason I joined here was so I wouldn't have to be alone with what I had gone through. I hope you find AS (After Silence) to be a friendly, kind, safe, and compassionate place where you can find support as you work on healing from the things that happened to you. Again, welcome to AS! Activist Ally

Hi Grace7, I can remember feeling a bit nervous coming here the first time too, but I did find many supportive and understanding people and I have not felt so alone with my memories since joining. I hope you'll find AS (after silence) a safe, supporting, and encouraging place too! If you have any questions or need to talk about something please feel free to send me a message and I'll try to help you the best I can. With support, Activist Ally

Hello Sungirl! I'm glad you are giving After Silence a try. I can understand your concern about being triggered and I applaud you for being aware of the need to take care of yourself - that's great that you are doing that! When I joined several years ago I just looked around for a while to get a feel for things. Depending on how fragile you are you may want to stay away from certain forums or topics if they are too "triggering". Keep in mind that there is no right or wrong about how much or how little you should post about yourself or respond to others. Sometimes members feel guilty beca

Shame and hiding are two very common reactions that survivors have even though those who hurt us should properly be the ones to feel guilty or ashamed. Dealing with shame and hiding is really difficult for many survivors, but I'm glad to see you are taking steps to overcome some of the less helpful things you were raised to believe, so that you can overcome those negative feelings. I think you deserve nothing but compassion, kindness, and understanding as a survivor.

Lost30, It sounds like you are feeling overwhelmed right now. I'm sorry that you are feeling such presure but I am glad that you have found AS and I hope you'll feel free to express whatever you need or want to. You survived what happened and you've survived the last 16 years. You are strong and you are brave. You are likely at the point now where you feel safe enough to let those old hurts pour out. It's not a weakness on your part at all to take time out now to heal those old wounds. A friend once told me that it is like breaking your leg and then having to walk on it as if nothing

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I'm glad you had a decent day. I thought the same thing about the T word myself although "clinician" seems a bit too removed. I guess I like the word councelor. However you spell it. Sounds like you feel a little overwhelmed with meeting JJ. I hope you won't feel pressured in any way and will just take the time you need for healing and to get your feet back on the ground. If something good is meant to be there then it will be there in the future when you are feeling stronger and more stable. (b.t.w. it's okay to be silly - it makes life easier to take don't ya think?)

Sounds like you've been through a lot, especially recently with the inpatient commitment. We're listening if you want to talk about things... Activist Ally

Hi Suvivorbornagain, Welcome to AS (After Silence). That's great that you finished your profile! As a member of the Newbie Support Team (NST) I want to welcome you and let you know that I am available to help answer any questions you may have or assist you in any way I can. I'll send you a message with some suggestions for finding your way around. With support, Activist Ally

Welcome to After Silence (AS) MovingOn30. I'm sorry you have a reason to join a site like this, but I'm glad you reached out and found us! It's great that you have a good support system at home but many here are like you in that sometimes it helps to talk with people who have been through similar situations. I hope you find some of the understanding and kind, compassionate support that you deserve here. As a member of the Newbie Support Team (NST) I want to welcome you and let you know that I am available to help answer any questions you may have or assist you in any way I can. With supp

Welcome to After Silence (AS) lovely. I'm glad you have taken the step to reach out - to express your feelings and seek understanding. I think you'll find that many survivors share your experience of feeling you've overcome the traumas of your past some days and other days feeling that your past is overwhelming you. For me, the fact that sometimes the darkness closes in does not change the fact that more often the brilliant sun shines. I know that sometimes it "feels" like we are back at square one - but that is not true. Nothing can take away the value of the days when we break free! I am

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Hi Josephine85, Welcome to AS! My name is Activist Ally and I'm a member of the newbie support team, so if you have any questions about how to use the board or get around I would be very happy to assist you. We were all new to the board at one time and it can be confusing but I hope you find AS to be a safe, kind, and supportive place. Activist Ally

Hi Cargo50 , I'm glad that you have found AS and feel comfortable enough to begin letting things out. I am a member of the Newbie Support Team and would be glad to help you find your way around and try to help answer any questions you may have. I hope you find AS to be a caring and safe place to get support. Activist Ally

Hi Iamreal! Welcome back to AS! We are glad to offer you support and appreciate that you wish to be supportive of others here as well! As to your question on setting the color theme, if I understand what you are asking, I think you are talking about the "skins" we used to be able to choose from? Unfortunately after the site crashed in 2013 there only appears to be one option for color themes. I miss those old skins too like "spring fling" which was my favorite! If you have any questions about the way the site is configured now please feel free to contact me as I'm part of the newbie suppor

Welcome to AS AliciaRaven! Activist Ally

Hi ersson, I hope you are finding your way around okay. If you need anything or have any questions I'd be glad to help. Activist Ally

Hi lilacfairy and welcome to AS! If you need anything or have any questions please let me know! Activist Ally

Hi, I'm glad you're not giving up! I hope you find some of the kind support you deserve here on this site. Things can get better and there is healing. I'm glad you are reaching out for support. Activist Ally

Welcome back friend!